No! just upon the threshold of our blisses,

Kind Heaven must snatch away the gift it lent.

I need a little spiritual gymnastic;

The dose in that form surely would be drastic.

Svanhild.

[Has during the talk approached; she stands close to the table, and says in a determined but whimsical tone:

I’ll pray that such may be your destiny.

But, when it finds you—bear it like a man.

Falk [turning round in surprise].

Miss Svanhild!—well, I’ll do the best I can.